Norwegian Department

Students at St. Olaf have the opportunity to study a unique subject — Norwegian. St. Olaf is one of a few U.S colleges and universities where students can use Norwegian to complete their foreign language requirement — and beyond the requirement can study the language, literature, culture,and history of Norway in depth. In addition to graduating with a major in Norwegian, St. Olaf students have many opportunities to study and travel in Norway.

The study of Norwegian opens the door to another culture and another way of viewing the world and develops skills in communication, research, analytical thinking, and writing that are essential in a wide range of careers. Former students report time and again that a knowledge of Norwegian is a rare and appealing skill that gives them an edge over other graduates.

Some of the world’s best literature awaits discovery by students of Norwegian: works by authors like Ibsen, Hamsun, and Undset, as well as by writers who have not been translated into English. Norwegian also enables many students to explore their cultural heritage, and encourages contact with relatives and friends in Norway.

Upcoming Events

Thursday March 19: 2 pm TOH 280. Norway's Ambassador to the US, Kåre Aas, has invited St. Olaf's students to join in the "Virtual Ambassador Program." The ambassador will speak on international issues surrounding the management of the Arctic Circle:

“The changes taking place in the Arctic pose unprecedented challenges and emerging opportunities. Arctic ecosystems and human societies will be most strongly affected, but the environmental changes in the Arctic have global implications as well. How should these challenges be handled? Is managing the Arctic a global task or is it solely the responsibility of the Arctic coastal states?
In this discussion with Norwegian Ambassador Kåre Aas, you will have the chance to address these questions, learn why the Arctic is Norway’s most important foreign policy priority, and debate how the United States should use its chairmanship of the Arctic Council next year.”

The Ambassador will speak on this topic for about fifteen to twenty minutes, with the remaining time devoted to responding to questions from the audience. Please join us!